The New Worlds Reading Initiative is established under the department to improve literacy skills and instill a love of reading by providing high-quality, free books to students in kindergarten through grade 5 who are reading ....

 

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

State Board of Education

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

6A-6.0532New Worlds Reading Initiative

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The New Worlds Reading Initiative is established under the department to improve literacy skills and instill a love of reading by providing high-quality, free books to students in kindergarten through grade 5 who are reading below grade level. The purpose and effect of this rule is to identify the administrator for the Initiative and provide notice to school districts of responsibilities under the Initiative so that students with a reading deficiency have the opportunity to receive free reading materials.

SUMMARY: The rule identifies the administrator of the program and lists the responsibilities of school districts for notice of the program and coordination with charter schools and the administrator of the program.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: The proposed rule is not expected to have an adverse impact on economic growth, business competitiveness or any other factor listed in s. 120.541(2)(a), F.S. This determination is based upon the nature of the rule requirements.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 1001.02(1), (2)(n), 1003.485(5), F.S.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 1003.485, 1008.25(5)(d)9., F.S.

A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:

DATE AND TIME: July 13, 2022, 9:00 am.

PLACE: Osceola County School District Office, 817 Bill Beck Blvd., Kissimmee, FL 34744.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Cari Miller, Vice Chancellor for Literacy Achievement, [e-mail].

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

6A-6.0532 New Worlds Reading Initiative

(1) Administrator. The University of Florida (UF) Lastinger Center is designated as the administrator of the New Worlds Reading Initiative.

(2) District Responsibilities for Implementing the New Worlds Reading Initiative. Each school district must:

(a) Identify a point of contact to serve as the New Worlds Reading Initiative liaison between the school district and the administrator for the initiative, and between the school district and charter schools;

(b) Within thirty (30) days of identifying a student who is eligible for the initiative provide a parent or guardian with:

1. Information on the initiative using marketing materials developed by the administrator;

2. Information on parent training modules and other reading engagement resources available through the administrator of the initiative; and

3. The enrollment link to register for the initiative;

(c) Coordinate with the administrator to initiate book delivery on a monthly basis during the school year, which must begin no later than October and continue through at least June;

(d) Coordinate with each charter school it sponsors for purposes of identifying eligible students, notifying parents, and raising awareness of the initiative; and

(e) Partner with nonprofit organizations to raise awareness of the initiative through the following means:

1. The student handbook and the read-at-home plan under section 1008.25(5)(c), F.S.;

2. A parent or curriculum night or separate initiative awareness event at each elementary school; and

3. Partnering with the county library to host awareness events, which should coincide with other initiatives such as library card drives, family library nights, summer access events, and other family engagement programming.

Rulemaking Authority 1001.02(1), (2)(n), 1003.485(5)(d), FS. Law Implemented 1003.485, 1008.25(5)(d)9. FS. History–New

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Cari Miller, Vice Chancellor, Literacy Achievement.

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Manny Diaz Jr., Commissioner, Department of Education.

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: June 03, 2022

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: April 27, 2022